Corrie's Jennie McAlpine wants home comforts for Manchester as her Annies restaurant opens to public

Corrie's Jennie McAlpine wants home comforts for Manchester as her Annies restaurant opens to public

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine is hoping her new Manchester restaurant can become a ‘home-from-home’ for those who love to eat out.

Annies, in Old Bank Street, off St Anne’s Square, is the labour of love for the 28-year-old, who plays Fiz in the ITV soap, along with her partner Chris Farr and her dad Tom, and held their official celebration last night ahead of the opening today.

And McAlpine wants people to come and feel at home, with a menu of creature comfort food such as a tasty Lancashire Hotpot and Cheese and Onion Pie, but in surroundings not too dissimilar to a favourite aunt’s house.

“It has that homely vibe,” said McAlpine.

“Even the name, which is after St Anne’s Square, people have said to us that it conjures up homely memories of that name. Even if you haven’t, you kind of feel like you’ve got an Auntie Annie.

“That’s exactly the vibe we’re going for – somewhere people can feel at home and a place they belong, and I feel we’ve pulled that together.”

The Bury-born Corrie star, the focus of some of the soap’s biggest storylines with more to come, insists the menu will provide good, local food as well as value for money.

But she is not sure if her role as a silent partner will stay that way as she heads up the exciting new venture alongside her demanding filming schedule.

“We always planned the concept on being traditional home comforts sort of menu,” said McAlpine. “We’ve got a load of pies, Lancashire Hotpot, which is a must in a northern restaurant, and a must to get right too.

“Wewanted to give people nice food and good value for money, using suppliers across the region – even down to the food and the furniture, and all the tradesman have been local.

“I’m going to try and not interfere too much – I’m supposed to be the silent partner, but Chris would say he hasn’t heard much silence.”

The lay-out of Annies is an interesting one – the modern feel of an open plan dining area, mixed with with a private room kitted out to resemble a cosy front room.

There are deep and comfortable armchairs, most of them rescued and reupholstered, for people to enjoy a drink after dinner, while the bar is adorned with wood from old church pews.

McAlpine believes she will feel a sense of achievement when she sees people enjoying what has been a long-term project for her and her family.

She said: “It’s a labour of love – I’ll be so proud to see it packed out.

“If I can see someone enjoying themselves, or people celebrating their Grandma’s birthday, eating our hotpot around the table, I’ll be thinking ‘job done’.

“It’s taken a lot of work to seem to put things randomly together. We tried to make it look like it’s been here a while, with the armchairs like they’ve been in a family home.”

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My 2 friends and I had a lovely lunch today at Annies. Jennie was there too and made us feel very welcome. All the staff were friendly and the decor is homely and comfortable. A lovely atmosphere and the food was excellent! I chose fish chips and mushy peas which was super! ( home made chips in a little silver bucket ) One of my friends chose a very fancy beef burger on a wooden platter with lots of extras. Very filling and delicious.
The actual restaurant is downstairs so check it out.It just looks like a coffee lounge from the front door.Go in and try it. 2 courses cost £13.50 I chose the Sticky toffee pudding whilst the others had traditional Manchester tart.
I loved some of the quirky lights which look like bowler hats .
Thank you Jennie for spending the time to say hello to us ( and every body else ) You and Chris ( and your dad ) have all the right ' ingredients' and deserve to be a huge success. Thanks for a great meal. Kay ,Angela and Lesley.

Called in at Annies yesterday Sunday 27 Jan for a coffee ,what a lovely place,very homely and the staff very friendly.Got to meet Jennie which was a bonus very lovely down to earth person, made you feel very welcome.Only sorry we didn't get to eat there but will definately be back to do so.This is a place where you must go.Good luck Jennie and Chris I'm sure that Annies will be a success!!!

In Manchester with my two sisters shopping noticed Annie's as we were peering in through the window a very nice gentleman was about to go in introduced himself as Tom. He shown us round the resteraunt impressed with what we saw will be back to sample the afternoon teas and more.Thanks Tom very warm and genuine person.

Had a lovely time at Annies on Saturday evening. The staff could not have been more friendly and helpful, Jenny's dad saved the day when I could not get my coat off due to scarf being caught in it - thank you again! Great food and made for a lovely evening coming to Manchester for the theatre.

Came over from Huddersfield to meet up with friends and spent the evening in Annie's. We were greeted by Jennie who made us feel so welcome .She took us down to the restaurant, where we were greeted by her partner Chris who couldn't be more attentive to our needs. All Annie staff simply have that natural friendliness about them and really do want you to have a memorable experience The food didn't let us down, wonderful, traditional , classics with a twist.. The Lamb shank is to die for and the chocolate and chilli cheesecake a must. Three courses and many a drink later we had a final drink in the lounge were you just melted into the chairs.As a party of 6 we all came away wanting more. Two of out party had already experienced the lunch menu before and what a recommendation that gave for an evening out. We complimented Chris and his staff and Jennie kindly agreed to have a photo taken with us. She even showed me how to work my own camera!!!!!!. Jennie's Dad was just as delightful. Not only will we be back but we are recommending it to all that will listen. Truly a great night. Thank you to all xx

Came over from Huddersfield to meet up with friends and spent the evening in Annie's. We were greeted by Jennie who made us feel so welcome .She took us down to the restaurant, where we were greeted by her partner Chris who couldn't be more attentive to our needs. All Annie staff simply have that natural friendliness about them and really do want you to have a memorable experience The food didn't let us down, wonderful, traditional , classics with a twist.. The Lamb shank is to die for and the chocolate and chilli cheesecake a must. Three courses and many a drink later we had a final drink in the lounge were you just melted into the chairs.As a party of 6 we all came away wanting more. Two of out party had already experienced the lunch menu before and what a recommendation that gave for an evening out. We complimented Chris and his staff and Jennie kindly agreed to have a photo taken with us. She even showed me how to work my own camera!!!!!!. Jennie's Dad was just as delightful. Not only will we be back but we are recommending it to all that will listen. Truly a great night. Thank you to all xx

Went to Annie's last November when I was back in Manchester from Canada to see my family. My sister, nieces and I went for dinner. Beautiful place, great service with very friendly staff and the food was amazing. Didn't get to see Jennie as she was out turning the Christmas lights on in Manchester but did get to meet her Dad who made us feel very welcome. Did get to see Jennie in Canada at the British Isle Show a few years ago. For sure will be back at Annie's. Good Luck